How much does it cost to retrofit a house for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Costs vary as much as timelines. The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-earthquake-retrofitting-cost.htm">earthquake retrofit costs</a> between <b>$3,500 and $8,700</b>. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.</p></div>

Is earthquake retrofit tax deductible?

• <div><p>Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.</p></div>

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Q: If my appliances have gas shut-off valves, do I still need a seismic shut-off valve?

• <div><p>Even if you invested in the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-adding-gas-shutoff-valve-built-oven.htm">cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven</a> and other appliances, it&rsquo;s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. </p><p>Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.</p></div>

Q: How do I prevent future damage?

• <div><p>Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.</p></div>

Q: What Is a gas shut-off valve for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.</p></div>

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EP!K Home Remodeling & HVAC

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EP!K Home Remodeling & HVAC

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Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

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"I am so thankful to have found Roland!!! He has done several jobs for me at rental properties and now he is my go to person for all HVAC and home repairs/maintenance!! He is reliable, trustworthy, dependable & honest. If he says he will be there & he can do it, he will! For 6 of my units, I had made a small list of items that I knew needed fixing. I asked Roland to check everything & he took pictures & sent me a list of additional items. He did not try to upsell me, he was honest & I greatly appreciated everthing. He sent before & after pictures. I felt like he was treating my home like he would his own. In today's world it is hard to find good honest people/workers, Roland is one!"

Wendy B on July 2024

Home remodeling Vapor barriers Home remedies Handyman HVAC Electrical Plumbing And so much more.

"I am so thankful to have found Roland!!! He has done several jobs for me at rental properties and now he is my go to person for all HVAC and home repairs/maintenance!! He is reliable, trustworthy, dependable & honest. If he says he will be there & he can do it, he will! For 6 of my units, I had made a small list of items that I knew needed fixing. I asked Roland to check everything & he took pictures & sent me a list of additional items. He did not try to upsell me, he was honest & I greatly appreciated everthing. He sent before & after pictures. I felt like he was treating my home like he would his own. In today's world it is hard to find good honest people/workers, Roland is one!"

Wendy B on July 2024

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure.

Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.

Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.

Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.

Costs vary as much as timelines. The average earthquake retrofit costs between $3,500 and $8,700. However, homes on hillsides, large homes, and those with rooms over garages can cost up to $12,000 or more. Make sure to get a few estimates to compare the cost and services.

Many homeowners want to know whether earthquake retrofitting is tax deductible. Because it’s often considered a capital improvement, you usually can’t deduct it. In some cases and locations, you may qualify for tax incentives, but you’ll need to talk to a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your specific circumstances. You may also be able to find grant money for seismic upgrades, which can lower the cost of your insurance premiums and save money over time.

The Emerald Isle, NC homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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